🎙️ BBC Radio Bristol: CEO Responds to Immigration Debate and Social Care Workforce Crisis
On 12th May 2025, our CEO David Smallacombe appeared on BBC Radio Bristol to discuss how recent political debate around immigration, particularly comments from Labour leader Keir Starmer, which could have serious consequences for the adult social care sector.
David responded to growing public and political calls to reduce immigration, following Starmer's recent statements that employers should “prioritise domestic workers” and only turn to overseas recruitment as a last resort. While supportive of a fair and tiered approach, David warned that abrupt restrictions on overseas recruitment would be devastating for social care providers.
He pointed out that across the South West, there are around 131,000 vacancies in social care, and currently 10,000 overseas workers are helping fill critical staffing gaps. In our local Avon area alone, there are over 2,500 open roles, a figure expected to rise.
David made it clear: without international recruitment, many providers will not be able to meet Care Quality Commission (CQC) staffing standards or deliver safe, sustainable care. Pay disparities between sectors, ÂŁ15 an hour in retail vs. ÂŁ12 in care, continue to make domestic recruitment difficult without broader reform.
This interview comes at a time when immigration is dominating headlines and party manifestos in the run-up to the general election. David’s message is clear: overseas care workers are not just helpful - they are essential to the survival of the sector and the wellbeing of thousands of vulnerable people.
You can listen to the full segment via BBC Radio Bristol’s catch-up service below: